The Southern Elephant Seal
The Southern Elephant Seal is a remarkably large and powerful marine mammal with both heart and heft. Possessing a distinctively long, elephant-like snout, and a grand body covered in blubber, these seal giants frequently top the scales at a weight more than some small cars – around 4,000 to 8,800 pounds! They love splashing in the waters of the Antarctic and finding their meals, mostly fish and squids, deep beneath the chilly ocean waves.
| Southern Elephant Seal | |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length |
| Weight | Up to 8,800 pounds (3,992 kilograms) |
| Speed | Speed: 8 mph (12.87 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Powerful jaws and teeth |
| Biggest Weakness | Slow movement on land |
| Scientific Name | Mirounga leonina |
| Family | Phocidae |
| Habitat | Coastal areas and islands |
| Geography | Southern Ocean and Antarctica |
| Diet | Squid, fish, and krill |
| Lifespan | 14 years - 20 years |
The Southern Elephant Seal
The Southern Elephant Seal is a remarkably large and powerful marine mammal with both heart and heft. Possessing a distinctively long, elephant-like snout, and a grand body covered in blubber, these seal giants frequently top the scales at a weight more than some small cars – around 4,000 to 8,800 pounds! They love splashing in the waters of the Antarctic and finding their meals, mostly fish and squids, deep beneath the chilly ocean waves.
Fun Fact: Get this, the Southern Elephant Seal can hold its breath and dive deep into ocean for almost two hours, that's longer than any other seal species!
| Southern Elephant Seal | |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length |
| Weight | Up to 8,800 pounds (3,992 kilograms) |
| Speed | Speed: 8 mph (12.87 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Powerful jaws and teeth |
| Biggest Weakness | Slow movement on land |
| Scientific Name | Mirounga leonina |
| Family | Phocidae |
| Habitat | Coastal areas and islands |
| Geography | Southern Ocean and Antarctica |
| Diet | Squid, fish, and krill |
| Lifespan | 14 years - 20 years |
Southern Elephant Seal Matchups
We use AI to simulate matchups between the Southern Elephant Seal and other animals. Our simulation considers size, strength, and natural predatory behaviors to determine the most likely outcome.
Fun Fact: Listen up, a Southern Elephant Seal's roar is so mighty and loud that it can be heard over a mile away, now that's some strong vocal cords!
Fun Fact: Can you believe the male Southern Elephant Seals show off their big bulbous noses to win the right to a female’s heart? That’s their version of looking cool!